James specialises in both buy-side and sell-side transactions, covering mergers & acquisitions and financial due diligence,. He is commercial, methodical and creative, with a talent for explaining complex issues clearly to clients. James treats every engagement as his last, striving to get the best outcome for his clients in all circumstances.
James has achieved a number of career highlights. On the M&A side this includes the sales of: Payton Capital to HMC Capital (Private credit), MyConnect to Origin Energy (services), Equity One to COG Financial (Private credit), Sukin Organics to BWX Limited (Retail/beauty); RACV Salary Solutions to Smart Group Limited (Financial Services); Wilson & Bradley to Julius Blum GmbH (Building Products); OC Energy to Origin Energy (Energy) and Gunnersen Companies to Global Wood (Building Products). In the arena of due diligence, he has advised clients including Sigma Health, Phenna, River Capital, Merricks Capital, Webster Limited, Advent Private Equity, Slade Health and Moonee Valley Racing Club.
James thrives on the collaborative atmosphere of the corporate finance team and the broader firm and invests time in developing the skills of junior staff.
James joined Pitcher Partners in 2013 as a Senior Manager, after working at another mid-tier professional services firm. Working closely with Partner Michael Sonego, the M&A team grew, and James was appointed Partner in 2017. He is now one of four executive directors of what has become the leading diversified corporate finance team in Australia and has been the Partner in Charge of Corporate Finance in Melbourne since 2022.
He secured the top spot among 200 mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisors for highest volume of deals completed in Australasia throughout 2019.
Memberships and qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce Honours, Finance (University of Melbourne)
- Member, Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
